Industry Needs Agreement/Action To Grow The Game

In a setting such as the PGA Merchandise Show, which gets underway Thursday morning, there is no shortage of opinion about the challenges facing golf, particularly participation.

“The most important thing we can do as an industry is to grow participation,” said Nike Golf president Cindy Davis on Wednesday at Demo Day.

“We’ve been told the same three things about the experience of golf for at least the last decade — it takes a lot of time, it’s hard and it costs a lot,” she said.

Identifying the problem is one thing. Doing something about it is another. Read more

What’s Going Down In O-Town?

ORLANDO — Heading into the PGA Merchandise Show, which begins Thursday at the Orange Country Convention Center, companies are looking to ride already-established momentum in, make a splash in Orlando, then carry that momentum throughout the year.

Great Timing For PING

PING couldn’t have asked for better timing than Mark Wilson’s win last weekend at the Humana Challenge, using the new i20 driver and irons just before the show began.

“What a great start in just his second week out with them on the PGA Tour. That was quite an accomplishment,” said PING director of engineering Brad Schweigert.

“A lot of it is brand building than actually stimulating individual club sales, but when you have a new product launch like this and you have early success with it, I think it can only help,” he added.

“We don’t put a load of pressure on our tour players to get into the new products. We obviously make it available and work with them, so when they do choose and they have success, it’s a great feeling for us,” said Schweigert.

“When he first hit them, he just thought they went through the ground really nice. They really suit his eye. They had some forgiveness where he wanted it in the long irons. The trajectories were really good. It was a good fit right from the beginning.”

Nike Dares You

Nike Golf president Cindy Davis joined LPGA Tour star Suzann Pettersen and some big bruisers in the form of Ken Griffey Jr. and Sterling Sharpe at a company event Tuesday evening at the Peabody Hotel.

Griffey and Sharpe took part in a Speed Trial, something that will become a part of demo days and at retail outlets in the months to come as part of the launch of Nike’s VR_S woods, hybrids and drivers.

Golfers will get the chance to compare their own clubs against the VR_S products.

“Getting people to change is not always easy,” said Davis.

“Change isn’t easy in anything and golfers who have been playing this sport for a long time often default to whatever brand they’ve been playing and don’t do due diligence to really understand what’s available in the marketplace,” she added.

Nike, a relative newcomer in the club business compared to other major manufacturers, is providing the incentive to do that through Speed Trials, according to Davis.

“Is it too difficult to go hit a few drives, a few fairway woods, a few hybrids to really see the technology? We don’t think it is,” she said.

“If we didn’t find a way to have trial with a purpose, we’re not sure we’d get the engagement level we think we’re going to get with this program,” said Davis.

“If someone says, `I dare you,’ a lot of people say, `Okay, I’ll take you up on that.’ This program, in many ways, the Speed Trials, says `I dare you.’”

Callaway Has Lots To Show At The Show

Callaway is not only introducing its fully-adjustable RAZR Fit driver, but also its RAZR X Black family of woods, hybrids and irons, but it won’t end there.

The new HEX Black Tour and HEX Chrome golf balls will be introduced, as will the new Metal-X line of putters from Odyssey. In irons, the RAZR X Black, the RAZR XF and the RAZR X HL iron will complement the company’s 2011 offerings—the RAZR X, RAZR X Forged and RAZR X Tour.

Watch GNN for more on the technology of these products.

What Happened In Vegas Won’t Stay In Vegas

Expect to see Callaway’s new “Epic Demo” advertising campaign, shot on location at and above the Las Vegas Strip in December, on network television in the next few weeks.

At the helm of the shoot was music video and commercial director, Joseph Kahn. The television and online executions will put the spotlight on the company’s 2012 products and staff professionals, reportedly in a way most golfers aren’t used to seeing.

PING nFlight Going Mobile

You won’t actually see it in Canada until later this year, but PING is giving accounts a peek at its new, mobile nFlight fitting system, which works with several launch monitors off an iPad-type device, which delivers a wealth of swing information.

You heard it here first, but don’t tell anybody that.

Fourteen Goes Forged

Fourteen Golf, distributed in Canada by Jancor Agencies, is introducing its TC-530FG forged irons at the show. Watch GNN soon for the complete tech story.

Nike Deja Vu

You likely heard a lot about Nike’s 20XI ball in 2011 through stories such as this and this, but there’s more to come because the company is looking at this year as the launch.

Last year’s launch of the 20XI only took place in North America and this year it goes global. Advertising campaigns and player seeding will be among the means used to promote the ball in North America and around the world.

“We not only created a new core technology. We created a whole new manufacturing process. It was a start-up,” said Nike Golf president Cindy Davis.

“Making a urethane ball, a premier ball, is not an easy thing. Creating a whole new way from an injection molding standpoint was a whole new thing,” she added.

“We wanted to bring it to (the North American) market because it was out in the marketplace from a knowledge standpoint, so we made a strategic decision to begin the process in North America,” said Davis.

“We actually look at this year as the real launch of the 20XI golf ball because it goes global next month. Now the trial begins. If you look at our portfolio from an advertising standpoint, it will get the largest amount of advertising dollars percentage-wise of our media spend,” she said.

“I think we learned something,” said Davis. “Because of the energy that we created in North America launching this, all the launch quantities in other parts of the world have nearly doubled than what was originally planned.

“The other parts of the world have said, `I’ve heard about this, when is it coming?’ so we created some real anticipation and pent-up demand for this product,” she said.

Nike Lunar Ascend Features HyperFuse Construction

Nike Golf is expanding its Lunar shoe collection with the introduction of the new Nike Lunar Ascend men’s golf shoe.

The Lunar Ascend features Hyperfuse construction in the upper that originated in Nike basketball. It’s a multi-layered construction designed for lightweight support, comfort, breathability and durability.

Hyperfuse features three different materials, an internal synthetic underlay for structure and support, a performance mesh layer for breathability and a thin TPU durable outer layer for additional protection and support.

The base stability layer and the breathable layer are fused together with the thin TPU skin layer for a no-sew construction.

The Nike Lunar Ascend also uses Lunarlon foam cushioning with an Integrated Traction performance outsole. Integrated Traction is a molded TPU outsole that enhances traction and ground feel, while reducing overall weight.

The lower profile of the Lunar Ascend helps increase stability, while untilizing Integrated Traction to eliminate spike pressure and maintain traction.

A variety of colour combinations are available.

Off To Orlando

Depending on when you read this, I could be 30,000 feet over North Carolina or Georgia on my way to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

It’s been a tradition for years and while the show has changed dramatically since I first started going, one thing that doesn’t change is a crazy schedule. Read more

New Nike VR_S Irons Feature NexCOR Technology

The new Nike VR_S irons feature NexCOR variable face thickness, designed to bring driver face technology to its irons.

NexCOR is designed to maximize distance for a wide range of players though its multi-face thickness design and create a bridge for thin, hot faces to provide more ball speed from each club.

Through impact studies, Nike engineers mapped where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on each club. Based on those results, the location of NexCor differs from club to club.

“This NexCOR technology allows for the clubface to produce greater energy return, higher trajectory and longer and straighter shots,” said Tom Stites, director of club creation for Nike Golf.

“Golfers will start noticing that they are hitting shorter irons into the greens.  This will not only help to improve their confidence level, but also their game,” he said.

The new face construction expands the maximum COR zone from low-centre to high-toe, where Nike has found the majority of iron shots are struck.

Using Nike’s PowerBow technology, the weight is positioned off the face with an undercut construction for a faster, higher launch, more carry, straighter flight and steep descent into greens.

Nike Expands Method Putter Franchise

Nike Golf has added the mid-mallet Nike Method Concept to its Method putter franchise.

The unique shape has the appearance of a blade with the performance of a mallet, with a red front and black back design, but the Method Concept is about more than looks.

The Method Concept features multi-material technology and two distinctive body parts. The face of the putter is light at just 90 grams, while the body is heavy at 200 grams.

The combination of the two sections is designed to create a high MOI-to-head ratio in a small mallet with the stability of a large mallet.

The lightweight aluminum face and a high-mass stainless steel body position the centre of gravity farther back in the head and lower in the sole for a truer roll.

As it is with the Nike Method franchise, the Method Concept also features polymetal groove technology for faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“We are giving consumers something new and something better,” said David Franklin, master model maker for Nike Golf.

“There’s a reason the shape is the way it is — it allows us to infuse vital science and powerful technology that delivers a very high MOI in a relatively small package,” he added.

S Is For Speed In Nike’s New VR_S Family

S is for speed with the introduction of Nike Golf’s VR_S family of products which includes drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids.

An extension of Nike’s VR franchise, the VR_S line has focused on speed through NexCOR technology for slower swing speeds, while the Nike VR Pro LE combines NexCOR and the variable Compression Channel for faster swing speeds.

Each club in the VR_S family will have a laser engraved NexCOR logo, a shape that mirrors the face construction inside the head to create more speed.

To create speed and distance to every club in the bag, Nike Golf engineers focused on the faces of all clubs in a golfer’s bag.

“In golf, when we talk about distance, the first thing that comes to mind is the driver,” said Tom Stites, director of club creation for Nike Golf. “We decided to look beyond that and focus on the entire bag from a holistic point of view.

“We discovered that NexCOR face technology adds distance and will play a critical role in helping golfers to become better. They’ll be hitting more shorter irons on their approach shots,” said Stites.

Nike’s NexCOR technology is designed to maximize distance for a wide range of players through multi face thickness design.

The NexCor infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and high ball speed from every club with the NexCOR technology differing from club to club.

“In setting out to create the fastest and hottest face, we know that consumers don’t hit it in the same spot on the face every time,” said Stites.

“We conducted impact studies and were able to map where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club,” added Stites.

“Based on those results, we are able to move this NexCOR technology around on the face. The location of NexCOR on the face differs on every club. Not every face is identical,” he said.

Between April and June, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across Canada.

Nike Introduces VR Pro Limited Edition Fairways

Already in the bags of tour players Stephen Ames, Stewart Cink, Simon Dyson, Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods, the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods feature a slightly pear-shaped head with a mid-to-low face height made from 455 stainless steel.

Nike Golf uses variable Compression Chamber technology to increase speed at more spots on the clubface for greater distance on a variety of shots.

The full-length Compression Channel has variations in depth in specific locations to generate more ball speed for greater distance.

The new MRC Diamana ‘Ahina shaft incorporates Mitsubishi Rayon’s Multi-Dimensional Interlay technology (MDI) for a stiffer mid and tip section than its predecessor.

The VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods are designed to complement the VR Pro Edition driver.

Nike Goes Xtreme With Carry Bag

The new Xtreme Sport IV Carry Bag features a new, ventilated mesh back pad and updated Nike revolving double strap system.

The Xtreme Sport IV also features the new Nike Grind zipper made from raw materials from the recycling of athletic shoes through Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program and from the scrap materials left over from the manufacturing of Nike products.

Other features include custom leg end caps for stability and GPS/rangefinder loops for functionality.

The Xtreme Sport IV also has nine functional pockets, six of which are zippered, including a water-resistant fleece-lined valuable pocket, insulated cooler pocket. full-length apparel pocket and a drawstring quick access pocket.

Eight different colour options are available.

Nike Adds To Women’s Brassie II Cart Bag Collection

Nike Golf is introducing two new golf bags to its Nike Brassie II Cart bag collection for women.

Each Brassie II cart bag has been designed in unity with the colors and styles of Nike Golf women’s footwear and apparel for coordination purposes.

For women who prefer bright colors, there’s the Nike Brassie II Cart bag that carries a vivid argyle pattern in hues of pink and lavender with a touch of gray.

For an understated look, there a grey plaid is also available.

The Nike Brassie II Cart bag incorporates key features and benefits for the golfer who often uses a trolley or power cart.

For organization, the Nike Brassie II Cart bag features a nine-inch, 10-way oval top that is fur lined and includes “stadium seating” for clubs.

Stadium seating is a simple configuration that provides easy visibility when making club selections. An integrated external putter well and glove patch are for quick and convenient access.

To allow for easy access to gear, there are nine functional pockets, seven of which are zippered, including a large, insulated cooler pocket to keep drinks and food cool.

The Nike Brassie II also comes with two functionally designed matching accessory pouches. The pouches can either be clipped onto the outside of the bag or placed in one of its nine pockets.

Nike has also introduced a variety of accessories to complete the Brassie II Collection, including the Nike day bag, bucket bag and tote bag.

Show Your True Colours In New Nike Sport Apparel Line

Nike is inviting golfers to show their true colours through its new Sport Apparel line.

“A lot of Nike Golf apparel has exuded high energy, but the 2012 Sport Apparel collection goes further in delivering youthful styling to golfers who have an exuberant, expressive look,” said Kim D’Oliveira, Apparel Manager for Nike Golf Canada.

“The Sport Collection features new designs for polos, cover-ups, pants, shorts and headwear that telegraph a vibrant and irreverent passion for golf as a modern and athletic game for all ages and attitudes,” she added.

The Sport Collection integrates Nike’s DRI-FIT fabrication to keep golfers cool and comfortable, as well as a slightly slimmer fit and cotton-blend fabrics.

Notable among the new releases is the Jersey Swoosh polo, with a sleek-fitting cut, numerous bold colours an DRI-FIT technology.

The new slim-fitting Sport Heather Pant blends classic fashion with modern details.

“Our men’s and women’s Sport collections are a great way for shops to introduce an exciting new apparel line with a different point of view towards the sport of golf, as well as giving consumers an alternate way to enhance their expression of golf attitude and style,” said Doug Reed, Global Category Business Director, Nike Golf Apparel and Footwear.

(Note: In our first posting of this story, GNN ran a photo from another Nike collection rather than the Sport Apparel line. The photo has since been fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience)

Nike Performance Cart Bag Is The “Wheel” Deal

The new Nike Performance Cart bag has a 14-way, full-length divider system to provide separation for every iron, wedge and metal wood in the bag.

It also features a new, integrated external putter well for easy access and a new Flip & Grip system to attach the bag securely to a power cart or trolley. A 9.5-inch oval top allows it to sit properly, while the new dual-injected TPR bottom is designed for greater traction.

Its 13 functional pockets, including 10 with zippers, allows for storage of phones, keys and other personal items. It also has a dual-insulated cooler pocket for beverages. There is also a loop that can be attached for quick access to GPS or range finders.

Colour combinations include black/topaz-silver, storm blue/action-red-soar and cool gray/safety orange-metallic silver.

Tour Premium Goes For Performance With Style

The Tour Premium collection from Nike Golf is designed to provide performance with style.

“Designed for Nike Golf athletes on the PGA Tour and amateurs demanding the finest high-performance fabrics, Tour Premium provides bold styling for all conditions,” said Kim D’Oliviera, apparel manager for Nike Golf Canada.

The Tour Premium collection features new designs for polos, cover-ups, pants, shorts and headwear.

“With this collection, the pinnacle performance athlete gets the biggest range of performance product,” said Nike Golf category business director Doug Reed.

“For any look and any weather condition, Nike provides golfers with a wide range of modern style,” he added.

Notable among the new releases is the Premium Jersey polo, which features a stylish shape, includes Nike’s patented DRI-FIT technology and comes in a wide variety of bold, yet classic, colours.

Also featured in the collection is the new Premium Five-Pocket Pant,  designed to highlight the collection’s focus on the definitive style of the modern game.

Featuring stretch DRI-FIT material and a slim fit, the pant, which is available in black, is a comfortable and breathable combination of cotton, polyester and spandex.

DS Wedge Joins Nike’s VR Pro Wedge Line

Developed with a precise forging process, the new Nike VR Pro Forged Dual Sole (DS) wedge had been introduced to the VR Pro forged wedge line.

The VR Pro Forged DS wedge features a Dual-Sole grind to ensure ideal set-up from sand, fringe, fairway or deep rough.  The Dual-Sole is designed to provide two distinct benefits.

For normal square addressed shots, the sole has added leading edge bounce, but the trailing edge is relieved.

This allows for utilization of the bounce, which helps to eliminate digging, but reduces the contact area, so the club glides through the turf. The Dual-Sole is also designed to prevent bladed shots.

For open-faced shots, a relieved heel design comes into play when the face is in an open position. This allows the leading edge to sit low to the ball, especially on short flop shots.

The VR Pro Forged DS wedge features Nike’s high-frequency X3X grooves with a precision laser cross-hair pattern that is applied to the land area between the grooves.

This pattern is designed to add three times the surface texture versus conventionally-finished faces to create more spin in various conditions.

There are more grooves (20) that are closer together and deeper on the clubface to provide more control and consistency, while conforming to all rules of competition.

Nike Vapor X Offers Ease Of Carrying

Weighing less than four pounds, the new Nike Vapor X golf bag weighs one pound less than the average carry bag.

The Vapor X features a new, ergonomically designed strap system with Nike Max Air curved technology. Compact in size, it offers six functional pockets and seam-welded, no-stitch technology to enhance water resistance.

Its waterproof, fleece-lined valuables pocket provides a safe location for cell phones and other valuables, while the Stretch-fit pockets have been created with expandable technology to allow for increased storage  capacity.

This walking bag also includes a five-way divider and putter well, as well as icons for the waterproof pocket, glove patch, GPS/rangefinder loop, pen sleeve and insulated water bottle sleeve.

It will be offered in seven different colourways.

Nike Method Franchise Adds The Drone

The latest addition to the Nike Method putter franchise is the Method Core Drone, used by Suzann Pettersen in wins at the Irish Open and at the LPGA Tour’s Safeway Classic.

The Method Core Drone features Nike’s Polymetal groove technology used for high moment of inertia. Its mallet design and Opti-mass weighting in the centre and wing tips is designed to keep the clubhead on its path without twisting to create a smooth, accurate stroke.

The Polymetal groove technology is used to generate faster forward roll at impact leading to better accuracy. The polymer and aluminum grooves are designed to lessen impact vibrations, provide pure sound and feel and help eliminate backspin that causes skidding and misdirection.

The Nike Method Core Drone comes in right and lefthanded lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches. A 41-inch righthanded belly putter is also available.

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